What size wrench for brake light switch?

[greg g]

Don't want to use adjustable or channel lock/vice grip.  Tried all my sockets, either too big or too small.

 

 

[casper50]

15/16 is too small and a 1" is a bit sloppy on my 47 dodge switch.

Edited October 3, 2016 by casper50

[Don Coatney]

Don Coatney

• 1948 P-15, 1948 D-24
• 
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• LocationNorthern Indiana
• My Project Cars:1948 P-15, 1948 D-24

 

ID: 8   Posted September 20 · Report post

Taking my family out to eat last week I had my D-24 loaded with family and my son was following me in his van with the rest of the family. When we got to the restaurant my son ask me if I ever used the brakes as there were no brake lights visible on my car. I said yes I used the brakes every time I stopped.  Next day I pulled the wires from the top of the switch and shorted them together. The brake lights all lit up so I know the switch was at fault. I found one on Amazon for ten bucks and placed the order.

https://www.amazon.com/Wells-RB401-Brake-Light-Switch/dp/B0026N52ZW

Several years ago I installed a mechanical switch in my P-15 to replace the hydraulic switch that did work but the mechanical switch works better as the brake light comes on as soon as I tap the pedal without pushing it far enough to build pressure. So for a quick fix I elected to swap the hydraulic switches from one car to the other. I now have working brake lights.

The location of the switch is elbow deep under the hood and it is difficult to spin a wrench. So I elected to use a 1" deep well socket and a couple of extensions so I could spin the ratchet wrench without obstructions. This made the job a whole lot easier and quicker. 

 

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Don Coatney

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"Just remember, once you're over the hill you begin to pick up speed."

 

[austinsailor]

There is a special socket for those. They are not hex and neither is the switch. They used to be a common item, but may be hard to find these days.

[Dodgeb4ya]

For years I have used this  1-1/16" sending unit and brake light switch socket..... SK #4488 ... .

[Furylee2]

I just bought a new one at O,Reilly's this summer.  Took the old switch with me (they had two sizes).

[greg g]

33 minutes ago, Furylee2 said:

I just bought a new one at O,Reilly's this summer.  Took the old switch with me (they had two sizes).

Wrench or switch?  My switch came from NAPA the counter girl looked it up by make, model and year in there computer. Popped right up so it will likely be wrong.

[Furylee2]

8 hours ago, greg g said:

Wrench or switch?  My switch came from NAPA the counter girl looked it up by make, model and year in there computer. Popped right up so it will likely be wrong.

 

Sorry, I should have said socket.  I'm pretty sure it was one of these.  Like I said, I took the new switch in with me to test the fit.  When I got home, I used the socket to remove the old switch and install the new one.

This was on my 58, but the 37 and the 41 use pretty much the same pressure switch.  Lee

[greg g]

18 hours ago, Furylee2 said:

I just bought a new one at O,Reilly's this summer.  Took the old switch with me (they had two sizes).

Wrench or switch?  My switch came from NAPA the counter girl looked it up by make, model and year in there computer. Popped right up so it will likely be wrong.

[greg g]

Found a socket at Napa for five bucks says its for oil pressure sending switches, it is machined to fit all three sizes.  Will give it a spin tomorrow.

[greg g]

Job done.  Pics of socket and switch with part numbers for your reference list.